Fresh Reads, Honest reviews, Educator-approved
Poetry, secrets, and dangerous boundaries. Bright Red Fruit follows 16-year-old Samira as she navigates her Sudanese-American identity in Washington, D.C. When an online poetry forum leads her into a relationship with a predatory older man, her artistic dreams are put at risk. Written in gorgeous, lyrical free verse, this honest coming-of-age story masterfully explores family expectations, isolation, and the power of a young woman finding her true voice.
Survival is just the beginning. Eighth-grader Bea must navigate life with cerebral palsy and the heavy trauma of a school shooting. Through the healing power of equine therapy, Bea finds the strength to move from helplessness to advocacy.
Survival isn’t just about being alone; it’s about holding on together. We see the other side of the crisis explored in Alone. Trapped in government camps, a group of kids discovers that their world wasn’t just upended it was lied to. A powerful, fast-paced companion that masterfully explores community, conspiracy, and the courage to seek the truth.
History is a poem that never ends. The lives of six Black Americans—from Ona Judge to Barack Obama—are woven together to reveal the grit and grace of the fight for freedom. Filled with eye-opening historical truths and moving story-poems, this collection is an essential bridge between our country’s past and our shared future.
A harvest of hope. Lula Viramontes finds herself in the heart of the 1965 Delano Grape Strike. As she navigates her father’s traditional expectations and the powerful words of activist Dolores Huerta, Lula must decide if she has the courage to join the fight for justice.